Markham appoints new Commissioner of Development Services

Markham appoints new Commissioner of Development Services

MARKHAM, ON - April 13, 2018 - After a national recruitment process, the City of Markham is pleased to announce the appointment of Arvin Prasad as its Commissioner of Development Services, effective May 7, 2018.

Mr. Prasad has nearly 30 years of progressively responsible experience in local, regional and corporate planning
Prior to joining the City of Markham, Mr. Prasad was the Director of Integrated Planning at the Region of Peel for eight years, having previously held the positions of Director, Planning Policy and Research in the Planning Department, and Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the CAO. Mr. Prasad has also held a variety of management positions with the Region of Halton and the Town of Halton Hills.

Mr. Prasad has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Urban and Regional Planning and a Masters of Public Administration in Local Government.

Having led major corporate change initiatives such as Peel’s integrated planning program, Mr. Prasad has made significant contributions to Peel’s Long Term Affordable Housing Strategy and Long Term Financial Plan.

Mr. Prasad replaces former Commissioner, Jim Baird, who retired after a long and distinguished career with the City of Markham.

“I am very pleased with the appointment of Arvin Prasad as Commissioner of Development Services," says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Arvin brings with him valuable experience at the regional level, with a focus on innovation in planning, He is a proactive and visionary leader and will be instrumental in steering Markham through the next decade of fast-paced, intensive growth. On behalf of Council, I extend my warmest congratulations to Arvin on his appointment.”

“Arvin is a seasoned administrator with an excellent reputation for team building and developing strong leaders,” says Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer. “Arvin has provided strategic and practical advice on major change initiatives at the Region of Peel. His business acumen, relationship building skills and achievements at the Region of Peel will position our Development Services Commission for success in the future. We are very pleased that Arvin will join the senior management team at Markham.”

– 30 –

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office: Lama Nicolas, Senior Communications Advisor at lnicolas@markham.ca or 416.671.2890.

For all other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
Erynn Sally, Media Relations Coordinator at esally@markham.ca or 416.737.2684.